Infant Constipation

Infant constipation is a common problem in babies, but is also easily treatable.

It is easy to mistake straining for baby constipation. Babies will sometimes strain just to help push the stool along. Staining is usually normal unless the baby is also crying. This could be a sign of constipation.

Constipation is caused when waste travels through the large intestine slowly. The stool sits in the colon and starts to harden. This can be painful for the baby to pass.

If the baby has not yet had solid foods, this could be a sign of a different heath problem. Take the infant to your physician to get the condition checked.

Constipation Treatment for Babies

If an infant has a somewhat harder stool or foul-smelling, the baby may be dehydrated. Make sure he or she is getting enough liquids throughout the day.

Usually 1 teaspoon of karo syrup mixed with water will get your baby back to regular bowel movements.

If your baby is taking solid foods, you may try fruit and vegetables such as peas, prunes, plums, apricots, peaches and pears to make his or her stools softer.

Apple juice twice a day helps keep infants very regular. Too much apple juice can cause diarrhea, so don’t overdo. Prune juice is also very good for constipation.

½-1 teaspoon of unprocessed bran mixed with food will also help regulate your baby’s constipation.

If your baby is straining, put them in a warm bath to relax them and make the stool easier to pass. You may also put petroleum jelly around your baby’s anus.

A tummy massage in the clockwise motion may help relax your baby and cause him or her to pass the stool. If it looks as if the rubbing is causing discomfort for the infant, discontinue it.

It is unusual for a baby that is breast feeding to become constipated. It happens more often in infants that are bottle fed or taking solid foods.

It is always important to consult your physician for any health problem involving your baby.


more than infant constipation on our Health Conditions page


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